The Cloven Foot · Theme
Crime and Justice
How The Cloven Foot develops Crime and Justice.
The book examines wrongful accusation, murder, and the legal system's fallibility, as John Treverton faces a murder charge and must prove his innocence against circumstantial evidence.
Where it surfaces
- XVII: Murder
The chapter depicts the immediate aftermath of a murder, the investigation by police and surgeon, and the suspicion falling on the husband.
- What the Diamonds Were Worth
The chapter focuses on the inquest, police investigation, and public outcry over the murder, highlighting the tension between evidence and presumption.
- A Village Iago
The dinner conversation revolves around the Chicot murder, with characters debating the guilt of the husband and the effectiveness of the police, reflecting societal concerns about crime and justice.
- XXVII: Desrolles Is Not Communicative
The murder of La Chicot and the search for the fugitive Chicot dominate the dialogue. Edward Clare expresses a personal desire to bring the murderer to justice, while Desrolles speculates about Chicot's possible suicide.
- Edward Clare Goes on a Voyage of Discovery
The unresolved murder of La Chicot and Edward's determination to expose fraud highlight themes of crime and moral justice.
- XXX: Thou Art the Man
The unresolved murder of La Chicot hangs over the chapter, with Gerard and Edward debating whether to pursue justice at the cost of Laura's happiness.
- XXXI: Why Don’t You Trust Me?
John is suspected of murdering his first wife, and Laura insists on legal and moral rectitude by revealing the fraud.
- On a Voyage of Discovery
The chapter revolves around preventing a potential murder accusation by proving the invalidity of Treverton's first marriage.
- On Suspicion
The chapter centers on John Treverton's arrest and the legal process, exploring themes of suspicion, evidence, and the struggle to prove innocence.
- Mr. Leopold Asks Irrelevant Questions
The chapter focuses on the legal inquiry into La Chicot's murder, with Mr. Leopold building a defense and questioning witnesses.
- Mrs. Evitt Makes a Revelation
The chapter revolves around the investigation of La Chicot's murder, the gathering of evidence, and the legal process leading to John Treverton's potential exoneration.
- XLIV: Three Witnesses
The chapter depicts the legal process as John Treverton is tried and ultimately discharged, highlighting the role of evidence and witness testimony.
- XLV: The Hunt for Desrolles
Desrolles' fear of legal repercussions from John Treverton's arrest highlights the theme of crime and justice, as he contemplates fleeing to avoid exposure.
